Understanding the plot of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'
I can understand the conventions of a comedy play and describe the plot of ‘The Tempest’.
Understanding the plot of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'
I can understand the conventions of a comedy play and describe the plot of ‘The Tempest’.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Shakespeare's company was supported by King James I which meant Shakespeare would likely want to appeal to the King.
- 'The Tempest' is a comedy which means it has a happy ending.
- Prospero is served by a spirit, Ariel, and a creature, Caliban.
- Prospero uses his magic to manipulate and control others.
- Prospero eventually forgives the traitors and frees Ariel and the play ends with a celebration.
Common misconception
The defining feature of a comedy play is that they are funny.
While Shakespeare's comedies do employ humour, the defining feature is that everything is resolved at the end of the play.
Keywords
Patronage - Patronage is the support, encouragement, or financial aid that an organisation or individual gives to another.
Usurp - If you usurp something then you have taken a position of power illegally or by force.
Spirit - A spirit is a supernatural being.
Freedom - Being free is having the power or right to act, speak or think as you want.
Revenge - Revenge is the act of harming someone in return for an injury or injustice that they have inflicted on you.
Equipment
You may want a copy of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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